The creation of a specialized centre for analysis and study of environmental pollution by asbestos, health effects of occupational and environmental exposure and health risk assessment was one of the tasks listed in the "Programme for elimination of asbestos and asbestos-containing products used in the territory of Poland". The Reference Centre for Asbestos Exposure and Health Risk Assessment was established in 2004 within the structure of the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine in Łódź as a unit for the implementation of the above task in the "Programme". The activities of the Centre include:− research and analyses performed for the governmental "Programme for elimination of asbestos and asbestos-containing products used in the territory of Poland"; − coordinating the national program of preventive medical examinations of workers formerly exposed to asbestos dust - "The Amiantus Project";− organization of seminars and conferences concerned with the problem of asbestos− organization of specialized training, for various professional groups, on the harmful effects of asbestos, health protection and safe handling of asbestos-containing materials− preparing expert opinions, disseminating information and knowledge e.g. on environmental asbestos pollution, health effects and risks associated with the occupational and environmental exposures, and rules for safe handling of asbestos.